Two San Francisco County jails were placed on lockdown Sunday afternoon, and the National Guard was called in to help as authorities reported an increase in attacks on jail staff.
“Recent incidents have shocked the community, including a spike in inmate fights, attacks on inmates by other inmates, and injuries to civilian officers and sheriff’s deputies. “This highlights the need for urgent intervention to ensure safety and security inside the jail,” the San Francisco Deputy Sheriff’s Association (SFDSA) said in a statement Sunday.
Sheriff’s officials reported that at least seven staff members have been injured by inmates since March 29, two of them seriously.
SFDSA Association President Ken Lomba called on San Francisco city leaders to request the deployment of the California National Guard to assist with staffing issues.
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San Francisco County Jail 2 and 3 were placed on weekend lockdown Sunday following reports of physical assaults by inmates against deputies and jail staff. (Google Maps)
“We are writing to urgently address the escalating violence in San Francisco prisons, a situation that requires immediate action,” the letter said. “Given the seriousness of these challenges, we request that you immediately request the deployment of the California National Guard to temporarily supplement current personnel levels.”
Lomba explains that the crisis has worsened since 2020. SFDSA said it emphasizes the need for the city and sheriff’s office to act quickly to address this pressing issue and strengthen safety and security within the jail.
SFDSA said in the letter that at least 240 inmate fights were reported in 2023, an increase of 58% from 2022, and reported attacks on inmates against other inmates increased by 79% over the same period. insisted.
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San Francisco Mayor London Breed holds a press conference in San Francisco on January 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Eric Risberg, File)
“The SFDSA’s request for increased staffing and National Guard support raises serious questions as the situation at the San Francisco County Jail reaches a crisis point.’Mayor London Breed and Board of Supervisors Chairman Aaron Peskin Will we prioritize hiring more sheriff’s deputies?’ And deploying the California National Guard?” Lomba asked.
Lomba reiterated that the safety and well-being of deputies, inmates and the community is at stake.
“It is imperative that swift and decisive action is taken to address talent shortages and ensure a safer environment for everyone,” Lomba said.
Due to the lockdown, the San Francisco Sheriff’s Department announced that visitations, programs and services have been canceled.
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California National Guard vehicles are parked at the California State Fairgrounds, Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2021, in Sacramento, Calif., and can be deployed to the state Capitol and other government buildings in the region. (AP Photo/Ricci Pedroncelli)
“An attack on a deputy directly impacts the safety of everyone in the jail, including staff, community members who work in the jail, and inmates,” the San Francisco County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement.
But officials said normal operations should resume next week.
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“We are actively investigating these incidents to identify root causes and potential correlations. To prevent future incidents, we need to identify and address the factors that contribute to these assaults. It is imperative that you do so,” the sheriff’s office wrote.
